How To Choose a Pest Control Company
There are a number of factors that you can weigh when selecting the best pest control companyfor you. You may take into consideration a company's qualifications, treatment methods, years of experience, customer reviews, and service prices.
Below, we dive into detail on each factor.
Does the company have a valid license and permits to perform pest control?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all pesticide applicators and their supervisors are required to be certified at the state level. The EPA does set minimum standards of competency, but all pesticide applicators in Delaware must be licensed through the proper state regulatory agencies.
Is the company a member of any professional organizations?
An optional certification that may be worth looking for is the GreenPro Service Certification. In order to get this certification, a pest control company must both show that its practices are more eco-friendly and maintain certain technician training standards. Companies can also obtain other certifications from trade organizations like QualityPro to further support their work.
Pest control companies can also belong to certain professional organizations. While not required, membership in organizations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or state-level organizations help to prove a company's reputability. In the NPMA and other organizations, pest control companies have access to resources, education, and a network of other professionals with whom to discuss best practices.
Professional Experience and Specialties
How long a pest control company has been in business can give you some insight into its experience dealing with various pests. Customer reviews or the company's own website can also help you figure out whether it has the skills and experience necessary to eliminate the particular pests that are plaguing you. If you can't find the information you need online, reaching out to the company directly is an easy way to learn more.
Reviews and Recommendations
Resources that can help you verify a company's reputation include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), local review sites, and social media. You can also confirm the status of a company's license through the Delaware licensing board.
Cost of Services and Guarantees
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a pest control company. Cost may be determined by your location, the type of pest being treated, the size of your house, and other factors.
Certain pest control companies offer a free on-site estimate to help you decide if it fits into your budget. You can also look at whether it offers a satisfaction guarantee.
Safety and Treatment Methods
Safety is an important consideration when deciding on a pest control provider, and you might prefer a provider who employs more natural, eco-friendly treatment methods.
Safety
Be sure to ask your pest control provider if they plan to use low toxicity or non-toxic pesticides, and if not, what sort of precautionary measures they will have in place. All pesticides that are not considered minimum-risk chemicals should be registered with the EPA. Your pest control provider should be able to provide information about all of the pesticides that they are going to use.
Treatment Methods
You can ask if your pest technician will start with lower-toxicity, more natural methods before using harsher chemicals.
Many companies have started to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce personal or environmental risk when treating pest infestations. The steps of IPM are as follows:
- Identify the source of the pest problem and determine whether immediate action is required.
- Decide on the safest course of action.
- Manage the pest problem using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and mechanical controls.
- Use chemical controls only when absolutely necessary, and always along with other methods for effective long-term pest management.
- Observe the results and implement additional pest control as needed.
